Planning a family vacation means finding activities that work for everyone — and that is no small feat when your crew spans toddlers to teenagers. Northeast Florida is one of the best family destinations in the Southeast precisely because it offers such variety. Here is our age-by-age guide to the best family activities on the First Coast.
For the Little Ones (Ages 2-5)
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a can't-miss for young children. The Splash Ground water play area is perfect for hot days, and the train ride through the African Loop is a perennial favorite. The zoo's smaller size compared to mega-zoos means it is manageable in a half-day without meltdowns.
Beach time with a plan works great for this age group. Pack sand toys, a pop-up tent for shade, and hit the beach early before it gets too hot. St. Augustine Beach and Amelia Island are both excellent for little ones because the waves tend to be gentler and the sand is firm enough for easy walking.
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is endlessly fascinating for little ones. Yes, there are alligators — hundreds of them — but there is also a splash pad, bird rookery (the birds nest right over the alligator ponds, which is an ecosystem lesson in action), and a playground.
For Kids (Ages 6-10)
Kayak and paddleboard tours are perfect for this age group. Most kids six and older can handle a tandem kayak with a parent, and the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway are ideal for beginners. Conine Coastal Travel offers family-friendly guided tours that include wildlife spotting and basic paddling instruction.
Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island offers living history weekends where reenactors portray Civil War-era soldiers. Kids can explore the fort's rooms, watch cannon demonstrations, and learn about life on a remote military outpost. The beach at Fort Clinch is also excellent for finding shark teeth.
Surf lessons are a fantastic activity for kids in this age group. Several surf schools along the beaches offer group lessons designed specifically for children, with soft-top boards and shallow-water instruction. Most kids are standing up by the end of a one-hour lesson.
For Tweens and Teens (Ages 11-17)
Deep-sea fishing charters are an unforgettable experience for older kids. Half-day trips target species like kingfish, amberjack, and snapper, and the excitement of hooking a big fish is hard to match. Conine Coastal Travel partners with experienced captains who are great with younger anglers.
Stand-up paddleboard eco-tours through the tidal creeks offer independence and adventure. Teens love the challenge of balancing on the board while spotting dolphins and birds. Our sunset tours are particularly popular with this age group.
St. Augustine ghost tours combine history with just enough spookiness to engage teenagers who might otherwise find historical sites boring. Several companies offer evening walking tours through the oldest streets in the country, complete with stories of pirates, shipwrecks, and things that go bump in the night.
Adventure Kayak Club offers multi-hour paddle adventures through mangrove tunnels and tidal marshes that appeal to the teen need for adventure and independence.
Activities for the Whole Family
Sunset dolphin cruises work for literally every age. The boats are stable enough for toddlers, the dolphins are fascinating for all ages, and the sunset views satisfy even the most jaded teenager. These cruises depart from multiple locations along the First Coast.
Bike rides along the beach are a great family activity. Many of our vacation rentals come with complimentary bikes, or Conine Coastal Travel can arrange rentals delivered right to your door. The hard-packed sand at low tide makes for easy riding, even for younger cyclists.
Mini golf and ice cream might seem simple, but sometimes the simplest activities create the best memories. Fiesta Falls in St. Augustine and Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach are both solid options.
Let Us Plan It For You
The hardest part of a family vacation is coordinating everyone's interests. Our concierge team specializes in building custom itineraries that balance activity and downtime, adventure and relaxation. Tell us your family's ages and interests, and we will create a day-by-day plan that keeps everyone happy. Contact Conine Coastal Travel to start planning.